Sarah Emberson

Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee - Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 10.00 am

The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the performance of the Chief Executive's Department, reforms to local authority funding, and the future of the council's headquarters. A decision was made to designate Sessions House as the headquarters for Kent County Council (KCC) for its remaining lifespan, ceasing spending on Invicta House and putting it on the market.

ACCESS Joint Committee - Monday, 1st September, 2025 11.00 am

The ACCESS Joint Committee met to discuss the ongoing government pension review and its impact on the ACCESS pool[^2], as well as to review the pool's investment performance and risk register. The committee agreed to recommend the inclusion of an additional milestone within the 2025/26 Business Plan to address the scenarios developed in response to the Ministerial letter received on 9 April 2025. Additionally, the committee noted the paused or continued workstreams within the non-listed theme of the 2025/26 Business Plan.

Planning Applications Committee - Wednesday, 13th August, 2025 10.00 am

Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Cabinet Committee met to discuss and consider the KCC Options Appraisal and Criteria Assessment of Current Local Government Reorganisation Options, and to note the commitment from Kent County Council (KCC) to fully take part in the process to develop a shared options appraisal with partners. The committee also noted the commitment to bringing future papers to the committee and cabinet as the work progresses to inform the development of KCC's policy position and next steps. During the meeting, members raised concerns about public consultation, the financial implications of the proposals, and the potential impact on different areas within Kent.

County Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 10.00 am

Kent County Council met on 10 July 2025, and among other business, members discussed local government reorganisation, violence against women and girls, and the blue badge system. They voted to approve a cut in member allowances, and reallocate the money to member grants.